Republic of the Marshall Islands

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As successor of the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement of 2015 gives its member parties more leeway to manage their individual greenhouse gas emission reductions via Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Tapping higher potentials of motivation on the one hand came with the risk of ineffective symbolic political action on the other. Hence, the first Conference of Parties (COP 22, Nov. 2016 in Marrakech/Marocco) after the ratification of the Paris Agreement was dedicated to checking upon each country’s targets and strategic plans.

Realizing that the proposed measures might not suffice to reach the aspired 2°C goal, the countries which are expecting to be hit the hardest by climate change risks came together in the global partnership Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). The 48 participating disadvantaged nations aimed to lead by example, sending a simple yet strong message to more developed countries as well as other poor states: “We can do it.” [1]

The so-called Marrakech Vision commits to the even more ambitious target of limiting the global warming to 1.5°C by following five formulated fields of action from regulating emissions of aviation and maritime activities, developing National Adaptation Plans for climate change to increasing decentralization of governance and insurance coverage. Eliminating high-carbon investments links back to the second article of the vision which explicitly states to work towards a country specific solution for a future of 100% domestic renewable energy production while reaping added benefits:

“We strive to meet 100% domestic renewable energy production as rapidly as possible, while working to end energy poverty and protect water and food security, taking into consideration national circumstances” [2]

With the declaration of the Marrakech vision the 48 signing states did the first step of committing to a 100% renewable energy target, thus, drawing the pathway for climate action development. They reaffirmed their commitment to tackle climate change, inequality and poverty, which they already expressed with their signature under the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement in 2015.

General Details

Status Quo

Total energy consumption: 576.6 million kWh (2015 est.)Percentage of RE in the total energy consumption: 19.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est., hydro)Value of all economic activities (GDP or equivalent ): $182 million (2016 est.)

Project Features

Scope of engagement Supraregional/national InternationalQuality of the objectives